FM: ECJ Decision ‘Out of Sync’ with Reality, Has ‘No Impact’ on Moroccan Sahara Issue

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) decision on the fishing and agricultural agreements between the Kingdom of Morocco and the EU is “out of sync with reality” and remains “without impact” on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara and “its momentum,” said Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, on Tuesday in Rabat. During a press briefing following his talks with the President of the Regional Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, Bourita stated that this decision is “a futile gesture” that has elicited no response from the United Nations or the UN Secretary-General and will not affect the issue thanks to the momentum initiated by HM King Mohammed VI. Regarding Morocco-EU relations, Bourita asserted that this decision is “isolated,” recalling in this regard the joint statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Josep Borrell, as well as several EU countries’ positions reaffirming their commitment to partnering with Morocco. He also highlighted the latest setback for the separatists’ supporters in the European Parliament after their attempts to schedule a debate on the ECJ rulings concerning the Morocco-EU fishing and agricultural agreements were rejected. According to Bourita, Morocco will not agree to any deal that does not respect its national unity and territorial integrity. He affirmed that, for the Kingdom, it is up to the European side to find solutions and provide the legal security that Morocco is entitled to expect as a partner, noting that the Kingdom’s principles and red lines “are clear and non-negotiable.” These international agreements were negotiated by the European Commission, approved by the Council of Europe, endorsed by the European Parliament, and ratified by the Member States, he recalled. Regarding the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, Bourita emphasized that the Court’s decision has “no impact” as it does not hinder the international momentum of support initiated by HM the King. It also has no impact because the Sahara issue falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the UN and its Security Council, he said. “There is a lack of understanding of the legal, political, historical, and human realities.” For his part, Clavijo affirmed that the regional government of the Canary Islands fully adheres to the Joint Declaration of the European Commission President the EU High Representative, where they reiterated the EU’s commitment to further preserving and strengthening its close relations with Morocco in all areas. The Canary Islands president further stressed his government’s adherence to the statements of the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who emphasized Spain’s commitment to the strategic partnership with Morocco and its determination to “preserve and promote” this partnership. Referring to the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, he expressed the complete support of the Canary Islands government for the position of the Spanish government, as expressed in the Joint Declaration adopted on April 7, 2022, following the meeting between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Spanish Government President Pedro Sánchez.